What are the VA rating percentages for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune)?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) (DC 5002) is rated at 100%, 60%, 40%, 20% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5002. As an active process: with constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating.

What rates 100% for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5002?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5002 (DC 5002), a 100% rating for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) requires: As an active process: with constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating.

What rates 20% for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5002?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5002 (DC 5002), a 20% rating for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) requires: One or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis.

What happens during a C&P exam for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune)?

An active infectious disease is generally rated at 100% while active; once it resolves, it is rated at 0% and you are rated on the residual disability within the affected body system (38 CFR 4.88b) - claim each residual condition. Recurrence of active infection usually must be confirmed by culture, histopathology, or other diagnostic laboratory testing - make sure that confirmation is in your record.

← All Condition Guides

CLAIM RECON INTEL

Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune)

Q: What rates 60% for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5002?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5002 (DC 5002), a 60% rating for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) requires: Less than criteria for 100% but with weight loss and anemia productive of severe impairment of health or severely incapacitating exacerbations occurring 4 or more times a year or a lesser number over prolonged periods.

Q: What rates 40% for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5002?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5002 (DC 5002), a 40% rating for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) requires: Symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health objectively supported by examination findings or incapacitating exacerbations occurring 3 or more times a year.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) claim includes: Laboratory confirmation of the infection (culture, histopathology, serology, or molecular testing); Records documenting the active-disease period and treatment dates; Treatment records for each residual condition, rated within its own body system; CD4/T4 cell counts and records of constitutional symptoms or opportunistic infections (HIV); Service records establishing the qualifying exposure or in-service onset (nexus). All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 500238 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code

DC 5002

38 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Rating Range

20–100%

4 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5002 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5002 across 4 severity tiers (100% / 60% / 40% / 20%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints, causing painful swelling that can result in bone erosion and joint deformity. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA affects the lining of joints and can also damage skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.

Rating Criteria

100%

As an active process: with constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating.

60%

Less than criteria for 100% but with weight loss and anemia productive of severe impairment of health or severely incapacitating exacerbations occurring 4 or more times a year or a lesser number over prolonged periods.

40%

Symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health objectively supported by examination findings or incapacitating exacerbations occurring 3 or more times a year.

20%

One or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis.

Key Evidence

—Laboratory confirmation of the infection (culture, histopathology, serology, or molecular testing)

—Records documenting the active-disease period and treatment dates

—Treatment records for each residual condition, rated within its own body system

—CD4/T4 cell counts and records of constitutional symptoms or opportunistic infections (HIV)

—Service records establishing the qualifying exposure or in-service onset (nexus)

—Complete list of prescribed medications and their side effects

C&P Exam Tips

1An active infectious disease is generally rated at 100% while active; once it resolves, it is rated at 0% and you are rated on the residual disability within the affected body system (38 CFR 4.88b) - claim each residual condition.

2Recurrence of active infection usually must be confirmed by culture, histopathology, or other diagnostic laboratory testing - make sure that confirmation is in your record.

3Identify and claim every residual (for example, arthritis, neuropathy, liver or kidney damage, or cognitive issues) - that is where most lasting compensation comes from after the active phase.

4For HIV-related illness (DC 6351), the rating turns on CD4/T4 cell count thresholds (for example, under 200, or 200-500) plus constitutional symptoms and opportunistic infections - bring your CD4 labs.

5Some infections carry presumptive long-term health effects under 38 CFR 3.317 - note any qualifying service exposure that supports the nexus.

6Report your worst days, list all medications and side effects, and describe how the illness and its residuals affect work and daily activity.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

LOADING